Sharjah: Sharjah International Airport recently welcomed an unusual planeload of passengers: 288 wild animals from Africa representing 17 species that were imported by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah.
The animals were taken to Elebriddi Wildlife Protected Area in Al Dhaid to be released.
The shipment supports nature reserves in Sharjah and reflects the emirate’s track record in conserving endangered species, a reputation that helped with both the shipment process and obtaining the international approvals, the organisation said on Tuesday.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, chairperson of EPAA, said in a statement that the effort will help shore up biodiversity in the emirate.
“Sharjah has a proven leading position in wildlife protection and environment efforts, and under the directives of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the EPAA strives to protect endangered species and their habitats is an effort to maintain biodiversity. The addition of these animals to the protected areas and centres will greatly assist with our ongoing conservation efforts.”
“Through our continued efforts, we are striving to conserve many species of animals and birds, and create breeding areas in the protected habitats in accordance with the UAE regulations. In addition, we aim to highlight the importance of the protection of wildlife and raise awareness among the community members on wildlife, and the protection of nature and endangered species,” she added.
The animals
15 giraffes, 5 rhinos, 16 gemsbok, 12 waterbuck, 12 eland, 8 black wildebeest, 24 blue wildebeest, 36 impala, 10 lechwe, 8 nyala, 26 kudu, 42 springbok, 8 reedbuck, 8 red hartebeest, 12 blesbok, 6 klipspringer and 4 grey duiker.
